Insights from Oceania Chinese Teachers’ Conference: Empowering Chinese Language Teachers
by Yan Yang, Project Lead CLEC at Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
The Fifth Oceania Chinese Teachers' Conference, which took place on April 1st-2nd at the University of Auckland's Epsom campus, was a resounding success. With over 100 Chinese-language teachers from New Zealand, Australia, and Pacific Islands countries in attendance, the event was a fantastic opportunity for participants to explore the latest trends and best practices in Chinese language teaching and learning.
The conference was jointly organized by the New Zealand Chinese Language Teachers’ Association (NZCLTA), Tui Tuia | Learning Circle, and the Confucius Institute in Auckland. The event featured many distinguished speakers, including Mr Zhixue Dong, Education Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, NZCLTA President Laura Deng, Programme Manager at Tui Tuia Learning Circle Stephanie Mortimore, and Confucius Institute in Auckland Director Xuelin Zhou. Attendees were treated to a wide range of topics, from the latest advancements in language technology to best practices for online and in-person teaching, as well as the importance of cultural competence in language learning.
In addition to the informative sessions, the conference provided ample opportunities for networking and community building, showcasing the vitality and creativity of the Chinese language education community. Professor Lawrence Zhang from the University of Auckland delivered the keynote speech on "Taking Stock of Interactive Strategies for Improving the Pedagogy in Teaching Chinese." Belinda Sydenham, a facilitator from the Ministry of Education, also discussed the implementation of the new curriculum. Meanwhile, Stephanie Mortimore, Yan Yang, Lan Dai, and Raewyn Ho from Tui Tuia | Learning Circle delivered workshops to share insights and strategies for language teaching, enriching the professional development of Chinese language teachers in the region.
The Oceania Chinese Teachers' Conference is an integral part of the collaborative project between Tui Tuia | Learning Circle and CLEC (Center for Language Education and Cooperation) of the Chinese Ministry of Education. The conference received extensive news coverage from over ten media outlets, including China Daily, Xinhua News, New Zealand Channel 33, etc.
In conclusion, the Fifth Oceania Chinese Teachers' Conference was a remarkable success, empowering Chinese language teachers in the region with opportunities to share knowledge, build community, and exchange best practices. It also helped to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between New Zealand, China, and the rest of the world. Tui Tuia Learning Circle is proud to have been a part of this successful event and looks forward to co-organizing and supporting the next conference in 2025.
Photo 1: Stephanie Mortimore, Programme Manager, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle and Photo 2: (Left) Laura Deng form Saint Kentigern College and (Right) Vincent Zhang from Kristin School.
Photo 1: (Left, standing) Raewyn Ho and (Middle, standing) Paula Kasper, Facilitators, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle and (Right, standing) Lan Dai, Chinese National Language Adviser and Photo 2: (Standing) Stephanie Mortimore, Programme Manager, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
助力奥克兰孔院汉语志愿者岗中培训
为期两天的中文助教岗中培训在奥克兰孔院18世纪的古迹洋楼里拉开帷幕，Tui Tuia | Learning Circle (Tui Tuia学习圈) 四位老师加盟孔院组织的专项培训，为初到不久的志愿者老师们融入新西兰教学环境开设了工作坊。
A Reflection about Language Learning and Technology
by Chi-Tzu Anny Ma. Facilitator, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
Learning a foreign language can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. I have no doubt that learning languages can't be purely focused on language and grammar alone. It is far more interesting when we, as teachers, are able to integrate the target culture into language learning as well.
Recently, I witnessed my own children struggling to sit through long online classes to learn their heritage language – Chinese. However, on the contrary, they enjoyed every moment of learning Japanese with me on the language learning app Duolingo. This made me re-evaluate what the best way to learn a foreign language is. In addition to the debate on the introduction of AI (artificial intelligence), how would this impact the language learning experience of our future generations?
Looking back on my language learning days, it's so much more accessible to learn any language online in the present day. Yet, language needs to be exercised! I was top of the class in English when I left my home country, but I couldn't carry a conversation with my teachers or my peers when I started school in New Zealand. My daughter, who speaks both Chinese and English, has been asked to translate for students recently arrived from China for classroom teachers. There are limitations to her Chinese ability; however, with the help of Google translator and other language tools, she was able to help both teachers and new students communicate with each other.
With the help of technology, language learning has become much easier and more engaging for younger students. Ultimately, language learning is complex, and there is still a need for authentic input and opportunities to output. Ultimately, technology or AI should enhance this experience but not replace it.
Taiji Fan: Slow Motion and Verbal Drills
by Daisy Jing Xu, Teacher of Chinese, Pakuranga College
Kia ora. As a Chinese teacher in New Zealand, I recently had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the series workshop, Taiji Fan: Slow Motion and Verbal Drills, where I learned various Chinese wushu techniques. It was an enriching experience that not only enhanced my understanding of Chinese culture but also provided me with valuable skills to share with my students in schools. As an advocate for cultural exchange, I believe it is important to promote our Chinese heritage and traditions, and what better way to do so than by sharing the knowledge of wushu to our students. I am excited to incorporate these new learnings into my teachings and continue to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among our diverse student body. I believe that by promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation through extra-curricular activities, we can foster a more inclusive and diverse school community. Our students will not only learn new skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture. I can't wait to see our students showcase their talents and share our cultural treasures with others in upcoming events. Thanks again to Tui Tuia | Learning Circle, Master JoJo Hua and Chinese National Language Adviser Dai Lan for their invaluable effort to make this training available for all language teachers.
Photo (above) Top row, left to right: Raewyn Ho (Saint Kentigen College/ Tui Tuia | Learning Circle), Selma Dancy (Willow Park School), Helen Jia (Sutton Park School), Daisy Jing Xu (Pakuranga College). Bottom row, left to right: Lan Dai (Chinese National Language Adviser, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle), JoJo Hua (Carmel College).
Wearing Sachets during the Dragon Boat Festival
Article by Fiona Yen,Facilitator, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar. Chinese people not only honour the sacrifice of Qu Yuan but also engage in other traditions on this particular day. Wearing sachets during the Dragon Boat Festival is a cherished Chinese tradition, especially among women and children. The sachets showcase exquisite designs of animals, fruits, and more, with intricate patterns that captivate the eye. They represent local cultural influences across different regions.
Originating in the early Qing Dynasty, sachets were initially worn by married women as a symbol of their marital status. Over time, the practice evolved into a broader custom known as "Xiang Dai," embraced by officials and nobles to signify their refinement. Sachets were filled with perfume and hung in homes to freshen the air, enhance the decor, and ward off evil.
During the Tong Dynasty, perfume-filled sachets emerged, and in the Song Dynasty, sachets gained widespread popularity. They shared similar fragrances with traditional Chinese food, Zong Zi. Notable ingredients included realgar, folium artemisiae argyi, borneol, agastache rugosus, and rhizome atrctylodis.
In the Qing Dynasty, sachet customs continued. People wore sword-shaped sachets from folium artemisiae argyi and acorus calamus, adorning doors and couches. Colourful silk thread sachets were crafted for children, believed to ward off evil and protect against harm. Wearing a Xiang Bao sachet during the Dragon Boat Festival served as a means of sterilization, combating body odour, and symbolizing the yearning for a joyful life.
You can try to make the “Xiang Dai” this year at home:
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2023 - Chinese - Term 2 Newsletter Articles
Insights from Oceania Chinese Teachers’ Conference: Empowering Chinese Language Teachers
by Yan Yang, Project Lead CLEC at Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
The Fifth Oceania Chinese Teachers' Conference, which took place on April 1st-2nd at the University of Auckland's Epsom campus, was a resounding success. With over 100 Chinese-language teachers from New Zealand, Australia, and Pacific Islands countries in attendance, the event was a fantastic opportunity for participants to explore the latest trends and best practices in Chinese language teaching and learning.
The conference was jointly organized by the New Zealand Chinese Language Teachers’ Association (NZCLTA), Tui Tuia | Learning Circle, and the Confucius Institute in Auckland. The event featured many distinguished speakers, including Mr Zhixue Dong, Education Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in New Zealand, NZCLTA President Laura Deng, Programme Manager at Tui Tuia Learning Circle Stephanie Mortimore, and Confucius Institute in Auckland Director Xuelin Zhou. Attendees were treated to a wide range of topics, from the latest advancements in language technology to best practices for online and in-person teaching, as well as the importance of cultural competence in language learning.
In addition to the informative sessions, the conference provided ample opportunities for networking and community building, showcasing the vitality and creativity of the Chinese language education community. Professor Lawrence Zhang from the University of Auckland delivered the keynote speech on "Taking Stock of Interactive Strategies for Improving the Pedagogy in Teaching Chinese." Belinda Sydenham, a facilitator from the Ministry of Education, also discussed the implementation of the new curriculum. Meanwhile, Stephanie Mortimore, Yan Yang, Lan Dai, and Raewyn Ho from Tui Tuia | Learning Circle delivered workshops to share insights and strategies for language teaching, enriching the professional development of Chinese language teachers in the region.
The Oceania Chinese Teachers' Conference is an integral part of the collaborative project between Tui Tuia | Learning Circle and CLEC (Center for Language Education and Cooperation) of the Chinese Ministry of Education. The conference received extensive news coverage from over ten media outlets, including China Daily, Xinhua News, New Zealand Channel 33, etc.
In conclusion, the Fifth Oceania Chinese Teachers' Conference was a remarkable success, empowering Chinese language teachers in the region with opportunities to share knowledge, build community, and exchange best practices. It also helped to deepen mutual understanding and friendship between New Zealand, China, and the rest of the world. Tui Tuia Learning Circle is proud to have been a part of this successful event and looks forward to co-organizing and supporting the next conference in 2025.
Photo 1: Stephanie Mortimore, Programme Manager, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle and Photo 2: (Left) Laura Deng form Saint Kentigern College and (Right) Vincent Zhang from Kristin School.
Photo 1: (Left, standing) Raewyn Ho and (Middle, standing) Paula Kasper, Facilitators, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle and (Right, standing) Lan Dai, Chinese National Language Adviser and Photo 2: (Standing) Stephanie Mortimore, Programme Manager, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
助力奥克兰孔院汉语志愿者岗中培训
为期两天的中文助教岗中培训在奥克兰孔院18世纪的古迹洋楼里拉开帷幕，Tui Tuia | Learning Circle (Tui Tuia学习圈) 四位老师加盟孔院组织的专项培训，为初到不久的志愿者老师们融入新西兰教学环境开设了工作坊。
A Reflection about Language Learning and Technology
by Chi-Tzu Anny Ma. Facilitator, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
Learning a foreign language can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. I have no doubt that learning languages can't be purely focused on language and grammar alone. It is far more interesting when we, as teachers, are able to integrate the target culture into language learning as well.
Recently, I witnessed my own children struggling to sit through long online classes to learn their heritage language – Chinese. However, on the contrary, they enjoyed every moment of learning Japanese with me on the language learning app Duolingo. This made me re-evaluate what the best way to learn a foreign language is. In addition to the debate on the introduction of AI (artificial intelligence), how would this impact the language learning experience of our future generations?
Looking back on my language learning days, it's so much more accessible to learn any language online in the present day. Yet, language needs to be exercised! I was top of the class in English when I left my home country, but I couldn't carry a conversation with my teachers or my peers when I started school in New Zealand. My daughter, who speaks both Chinese and English, has been asked to translate for students recently arrived from China for classroom teachers. There are limitations to her Chinese ability; however, with the help of Google translator and other language tools, she was able to help both teachers and new students communicate with each other.
With the help of technology, language learning has become much easier and more engaging for younger students. Ultimately, language learning is complex, and there is still a need for authentic input and opportunities to output. Ultimately, technology or AI should enhance this experience but not replace it.
Taiji Fan: Slow Motion and Verbal Drills
by Daisy Jing Xu, Teacher of Chinese, Pakuranga College
Kia ora. As a Chinese teacher in New Zealand, I recently had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the series workshop, Taiji Fan: Slow Motion and Verbal Drills, where I learned various Chinese wushu techniques. It was an enriching experience that not only enhanced my understanding of Chinese culture but also provided me with valuable skills to share with my students in schools. As an advocate for cultural exchange, I believe it is important to promote our Chinese heritage and traditions, and what better way to do so than by sharing the knowledge of wushu to our students. I am excited to incorporate these new learnings into my teachings and continue to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation among our diverse student body. I believe that by promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation through extra-curricular activities, we can foster a more inclusive and diverse school community. Our students will not only learn new skills but also develop a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture. I can't wait to see our students showcase their talents and share our cultural treasures with others in upcoming events. Thanks again to Tui Tuia | Learning Circle, Master JoJo Hua and Chinese National Language Adviser Dai Lan for their invaluable effort to make this training available for all language teachers.
Photo (above) Top row, left to right: Raewyn Ho (Saint Kentigen College/ Tui Tuia | Learning Circle), Selma Dancy (Willow Park School), Helen Jia (Sutton Park School), Daisy Jing Xu (Pakuranga College). Bottom row, left to right: Lan Dai (Chinese National Language Adviser, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle), JoJo Hua (Carmel College).
Wearing Sachets during the Dragon Boat Festival
Article by Fiona Yen,Facilitator, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
The Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most important festivals in the Chinese calendar. Chinese people not only honour the sacrifice of Qu Yuan but also engage in other traditions on this particular day. Wearing sachets during the Dragon Boat Festival is a cherished Chinese tradition, especially among women and children. The sachets showcase exquisite designs of animals, fruits, and more, with intricate patterns that captivate the eye. They represent local cultural influences across different regions.
Originating in the early Qing Dynasty, sachets were initially worn by married women as a symbol of their marital status. Over time, the practice evolved into a broader custom known as "Xiang Dai," embraced by officials and nobles to signify their refinement. Sachets were filled with perfume and hung in homes to freshen the air, enhance the decor, and ward off evil.
During the Tong Dynasty, perfume-filled sachets emerged, and in the Song Dynasty, sachets gained widespread popularity. They shared similar fragrances with traditional Chinese food, Zong Zi. Notable ingredients included realgar, folium artemisiae argyi, borneol, agastache rugosus, and rhizome atrctylodis.
In the Qing Dynasty, sachet customs continued. People wore sword-shaped sachets from folium artemisiae argyi and acorus calamus, adorning doors and couches. Colourful silk thread sachets were crafted for children, believed to ward off evil and protect against harm. Wearing a Xiang Bao sachet during the Dragon Boat Festival served as a means of sterilization, combating body odour, and symbolizing the yearning for a joyful life.
You can try to make the “Xiang Dai” this year at home:
